Spirit of Education Award winner: Susan Jones
With over four decades of experience, Susan’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom.
She pioneered early years development in her community, helping to found cross-community playgroups like Noah’s Ark, and later led shared education projects linking schools, police, communities and local families.
At Fort Hill Integrated Primary, Susan has welcomed children from every background with open arms – including those who don’t have English as a first language – and made each and every one of them feel seen and heard.
As a child protection lead and qualified counsellor, she provides direct support to families facing poverty, illness, and hardship, delivering gas top-ups, hygiene essentials, and supplies for a local foodbank in person.
When a few school families sadly experienced bereavement, Susan was an immense source of solace and did everything she could to keep the young pupils engaged with their education and help them cope with the loss.
For Susan, every child matters, every voice counts, and every day is a chance to make a difference, which is why her colleagues call her the heart of the school.